Provigil and Nuvigil – A Guide to Set the Sleeping Drugs Apart

Presently, over 70 million Americans suffer from some type of sleep disorder. A majority of them are not even aware of the dire condition that ails them. The modern day lifestyle is a stressful one. In fact, most people will decide to sacrifice their good night’s sleep in order to finish more tasks in the evening hours. A prolonged negligence of a healthy sleep routine can result in various sleeping disorders. They include Sleep Apnea, Leg Cramps, Insomnia, Restless Legs Syndrome, and Narcolepsy. Therefore, the number of people suffering from sleep deprivation continues to grow. As a result, sleep aiding drugs such as Provigil and Nuvigil are being prescribed as a last resort to provide the much needed sleep.

Provigil and Nuvigil—What’s the Difference?

Firstly, both Provigil (modafinil) and Nuvigil are a sleep-promoting prescription medication used to treat various sleeping disorders. They are narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and others. Their main function is to boost brain activity in order to maintain wakefulness. Incidentally, the same pharmaceutical company, Cephalon, makes both drugs. They will exude the same effects in your body. This include an increased release of catecholamines norepinephrine and dopamine from synaptic terminals. At the same time, the effects also include the elevation of hypothalamic histamine levels. As a result, they are very similar in the following aspects:

Both Nuvigil and Provigil contain modafinil

You take both drugs orally

They are off limits to persons between the ages of 10-19

They both carry addictive properties

Nuvigil and Provigil are both exclusively prescription drugs

They’re available in a tablet form

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The biggest difference between Provigil and Nuvigil are their side effects.

While both of these medicines can cause severe side effects, Nuvigil will offer fewer. Some of them include headaches, nausea, dizziness, trouble sleeping. On the other hand, Provigil may cause the following:

Back pain

Headache

Nausea

Nervousness

Stuffy nose

Diarrhea

Anxiety

Dizziness

Upset stomach

Trouble sleeping

Furthermore, even though Provigil comes with more side effects, statistics show that it is more frequently purchased by patients due to its lower cost. As for the difference between the efficacy of Provigil and Nuvigil, research shows that there is none.

Differences in Brand Names

Pharmacies around the world will sell Nuvigil under the same name. However, Provigil has many different names in different countries. Some of these are:

How to Take Provigil and Nuvigil?

Both of these analeptics are drugs that a doctor can prescribe. This means you should always follow the rules and regulations given by your doctor. Furthermore, do not exceed the amount prescribed or consume the drug for longer than advised. These are some of the things your doctor might tell you:

You can take the drug with or without food.

You are not allowed to share the drug with anyone.

If you are a person younger than the age of 19, you should not be taking the drug.

You should store the drug at room temperature and away from heat and moisture.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

Do you notice any of the following symptoms while taking either Provigil or Nuvigil? Then, stop taking the medication right away and call your doctor: